Willian believes he needs to quit Anzhi Makhachkala if he is to achieve his dream of playing for a ‘big club’ in Europe.
The Brazilian insists he has ‘enormous affection’ for the Russian side but admitted that he would move on if offered the opportunity to do so.
“I tried to leave Shakhtar for over a year, but couldn’t do it,” Willian explained to Goal.com. “I had offers from big English clubs and from other places, but Shakhtar never accepted them.
“Anzhi were the only ones who agreed to pay for my release clause. I have enormous affection and respect for this club, but everybody knows that my dreams and desires haven’t changed.
“I have the goal of playing for a big club and being in the spotlight to rejoin the Brazil national team but for now I’m an Anzhi player, and I intend to keep playing here with a calm mind.”
The 24-year-old added that times were sometimes hard at Shakhtar, despite him helping to lead the Ukrainian side into last season’s Champions League knockout stage.
“I tried every possible way to negotiate my exit, showing my desire to play for a big club, but they never really cared about it,” he said. “They were only willing to let me go if someone could pay the release clause fee.
“I wanted very badly to go to England, but I have no regrets and couldn’t wait any longer to leave Shakhtar. They used to tell me one thing and then act otherwise.”
